Kano Governor Poised to Leave NNPP Set to Join APC in Major Political Shift

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Indications have emerged that Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, is preparing to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with the move expected to take place in the first week of January 2026, barring any last-minute changes.

Sources familiar with the development revealed that the planned defection would mark the end of Yusuf’s long-standing political alliance—spanning nearly four decades—with NNPP leader and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who has been widely regarded as his political mentor.

As the only sitting governor elected on the NNPP platform, Yusuf’s exit would effectively strip the party of its last state-level control, significantly weakening its national political relevance.

Insiders disclosed that the governor has concluded arrangements to actively participate in the APC congresses scheduled for February 2026, a strategic move aimed at consolidating influence over the party’s structure in Kano State.

To solidify his position, Yusuf is said to have been quietly courting the support of members of the National Assembly, the Kano State House of Assembly, and local government chairmen across the state.

According to one source, only a single member of the House of Representatives—Kwankwaso’s son-in-law, who represents Tarauni Federal Constituency—is expected to remain loyal to the NNPP leader. Lawmakers representing Nassarawa, Ungogo, and Kumbotso constituencies are reportedly undecided and weighing their political options.

It was further gathered that at least 25 of the 27 NNPP lawmakers in the Kano State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Yusuf Falgore, have endorsed the governor’s planned defection. Two seats are currently vacant following the death of their occupants.

While some local government chairmen are said to still align with Kwankwaso, sources believe the majority will eventually follow the governor’s lead.

As the political tension escalated, Kwankwaso reportedly convened a meeting with NNPP lawmakers at his Miller Road residence on Friday. During the meeting, he allegedly acknowledged that Governor Yusuf appeared determined to join the APC and told lawmakers they were free to follow him if they so wished.

Kwankwaso was also said to have questioned the timing and logic of the move, reminding the lawmakers of their unexpected victory in the 2023 elections.

“Will the same God who granted us victory in 2023 not still be present in 2027?” he was quoted as saying.

Following the meeting, the lawmakers reportedly agreed to seek dialogue with Governor Yusuf in hopes of reaching a collective decision. However, sources said the governor later informed them that he was already aware of the discussions and that his decision to defect was final.

The unfolding political realignment is also expected to impact the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam, whose impeachment is reportedly being considered. Sources claim Yusuf is proposing Murtala Sule-Garo, the APC’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate, as a replacement.

Additionally, the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, is said to be positioning for the Kano Central senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 elections.

Observers note that the current crisis has been building for some time. Following the Supreme Court ruling on the Kano governorship election, Governor Yusuf reportedly made repeated efforts to persuade Kwankwaso to join the APC.

By November 2024, reports indicated a widening rift within the Kano NNPP, as the governor allegedly began distancing himself from his political benefactor. Around the same period, a popular slogan—“Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (“Abba, stand on your feet”)—gained momentum, symbolising growing calls for Yusuf to assert political independence.

At the time, the governor publicly denied any fallout, reaffirmed loyalty to Kwankwaso, and distanced himself from the movement. Recent developments, however, suggest a decisive political break may now be imminent.